asking for input

[Jellynuts]

Hi

I would like some input on a new system build. My PC will mainly be using for gaming (strategy, role playing, FPS). My budget is under $1,500. I’ll probably be buying from Newegg as there are no enthusiast, local shops and I don’t have any brand preferences.

I don’t have plans on my current parts (maybe donate to my dad but if I can salvage parts, then that is cool too). I was thinking of sticking with my LCD, an LG L227WTG-PF 22" (1680 x 1050), however if there is an awesome replacement then I would be willing to up my budget by another $500. I’m also okay with keeping the Antec 900 case, dvd burner, and headphones (don’t need speakers). I am have been playing on XP but just received Win 7. These are the parts, that I see, needing to be replaced: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.40 GHz, Asus P5B Deluxe,2GB DDR2, GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB,
Seagate 320GB, and SPARKLE ATX-450PN 450W.

I have searched the forums and read about Sandy-Bridge. That looks like the way to go. I plan to run default speeds at first and then some air overclocking. I’m ready to build it now but can wait a few weeks (espically since Newegg is out of most of the P67 boards). Here is what I was thinking of:

I5-2500k - $220
ASUS P8P67 (R. 3) $164
G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) $79

Next is my dichotomy. The GPU and monitor. Should I upgrade the monitor (24”,1080P, S-IPS, etc) and get a bleeding edge GPU? Or should keep the monitor and go with GeForce GTX 460 for $160? I am pretty sure I’ll notice a difference…but it will be enough? This is where you come in, by helping me make a wise decision. There are other variables (brands such ATI, Gigabyte, etc.) and maybe tradeoffs (SLI: cost, heat) that I am willing to consider. After deciding on the GPU then I think about a PSU.

I also want to try SSD so was thinking of this:

Corsair Force 120GB $230
Samsung F3 1TB $65

My current rig has lasted me almost 4 years. If my new one can provide 2-3 years of enjoyment then I will be happy. I appreciate, in advance, your opinions on my purchases. Where I will see the most improvement for my buck while keeping it reasonably future proof (2 years?)

 

[stahlhart]

Might want to look into a 23" 120Hz LCD if you can potentially budget that much.

 

[mnewsham]

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?Source=MSWD&WishListNumber=16802606

That with promo code: PSU11MAR

and then this monitor.

With promo code: N1?0TJMCF7$2VJ

Total: $1362.15

If buying today that is my choice.

 

[Jellynuts]

thanks guys for the quick response
mnewsham I also appreciate the promo codes. Something is off on the shipping with Newegg for the MSI mobo. they want $110 shipping for it!

 

[mnewsham]

Lol wait a day or two and see your options then. And i had a 60GB SSD because i dont need more but if you want 120GB just add that in instead.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I highly recommend the Cyborg R.A.T. 7 gaming mouse :thumbsup:

That PSU recommended has a problem with the 12v rails - spikes of 70mv = not good. If you can fit a Seasonic X series PSU into your budget, you'd feel a little more confident in your decision. I recommend the Seasonic X 660w 90+ efficiency from ~ 133w - 588w, low ripple of 30mv max (clean stable power)

mnewsham says the Antec PSU has been revised so if you want to keep that PSU the chance is yours, i'd go with current reviews.

Micro Center has the 2500K for 179$ before tax and it comes out to ~ 194 with 7-8% sales tax.

 

[mnewsham]

That PSU recommended has a problem with the 12v rails - spikes of 70mv = not good

mnewsham says the Antec PSU has been revised so if you want to keep that PSU the chance is yours, i'd go with current reviews.

You are quoting Johhnyguru and in that same review it shows that his model has 2 22A +12v rails and 1 25A rail. The version i linked has 2 38A +12v rails, it is obviously a different model please stop trying to claim it is the same and that it sucks.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

You are quoting Johhnyguru and in that same review it shows that his model has 2 22A +12v rails and 1 25A rail. The version i linked has 2 38A +12v rails, it is obviously a different model please stop trying to claim it is the same and that it sucks.

The PSU has been revised but there is NO review on this PSU... either way, you are still taking a chance.

 

[mnewsham]

The PSU has been revised but there is NO review on this PSU... either way, you are still taking a chance.

yea, a chance for 80 bucks less then the one you posted.

AND

jonnyguru rated it a 9 out of 10 in 2008 (the older version)


Performance

9

Functionality

8

Value

9.5

Aesthetics

7

Total Score

9


That is not a BAD PSU or taking a "chance". It was a solid recommendation even then.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

yea, a chance for 80 bucks less then the one you posted.

AND

jonnyguru rated it a 9 out of 10 in 2008 (the older version)


Performance

9

Functionality

8

Value

9.5

Aesthetics

7

Total Score

9


That is not a BAD PSU or taking a "chance". It was a solid recommendation even then.

That is not the review of the revised PSU, and seeing that the track record of the PSU you are recommending, I think it would be fair to the OP to offer a review of the REVISED model.

 

[mnewsham]

Wait... so you are using that review of the original as a down point of the PSU but the fact that it was rated 9/10 is not important because it is the revised version i recommended? That makes no sense. Pick one. Either it's bad or it's good, Jonnyguru rated it 9/10 the one i linked is the revised version and should only be better. Antec is a very respectable company i would buy this PSU for myself if i needed one and i have no problems recommending it. The fact that you recommend a $160 alternative is just stupid.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Wait... so you are using that review of the original as a down point of the PSU but the fact that it was rated 9/10 is not important because it is the revised version i recommended? That makes no sense. Pick one. Either it's bad or it's good, Jonnyguru rated it 9/10 the one i linked is the revised version and should only be better. Antec is a very respectable company i would buy this PSU for myself if i needed one and i have no problems recommending it. The fact that you recommend a $160 alternative is just stupid.

Yes. Offer a review.

 

[mnewsham]

So let me get this straight you quote a review that in the end gives the PSU a 90% and call it a questionable and a bad PSU. "taking a chance" is what you say, yet it is Jonnyguru recommended... The revision of this PSU is even more questionable simply because it has no reviews yet? If the first version got 90% and this being Antec, i see NO reason what so ever to not recommend this PSU.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

If you can offer a review of the new revised model that shows the 70mv spike on the 12v rail has been taken care of with the new spec, that's all you need to do. I would too approve the recommendation.

 

[mnewsham]

If you can offer a review of the new revised model that shows the 70mv spike on the 12v rail has been taken care of with the new spec, that's all you need to do. I would too approve the recommendation.

Even with the 70mv spike it received 9/10 a solid recommendation and honestly a 70mv spike ISNT all that bad.

 

[Jellynuts]

Wow! I'll do some more reading on the PSU. The Antec sounds like the better of the two for my buck but I don't want to skimp on such an important piece. I search around the web for recent user reviews to ask. I've used Antec several times in the past for builds without issue.

I really thought my next big decision is whether or not to go with the image quality of IPS (Dell U2311H) or the response times of 120Hz (LG W2363D). I’m learning toward IPS after reading and comparing the two on Digital Versus.

I also appreciate the recommendation of the Cyborg RAT 7. I'm pretty happy with my current mouse. However, the video review on Newegg looked pretty cool. I’ll swing by Best Buy and check it out. The mouse is cogent part of a gaming build. Mice, like politics, are personal. . I've always had issues with cat hair getting into the sensor in the past and this one stays clean.

Newegg fixed the shipping charges for the MOBO on the web site.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I play Unreal Tournament III and the game is extremely fast. There is alot of use with the mouse to help your player dodge. The difference between the R.A.T. 7 and the previous mouse I was using, the Sidewinder X3 with a 500Hz polling rate, has been a better experience than going to an SSD drive! I can honestly say this Cyborg R.A.T. 7 mouse @ 1000Hz (1ms vs 2ms input lag), adjustable comfort features for thumb to button placement + width adjuster, palm-rest length and height, pinky-drag resisting support plate, has really improved my game. That, the 120Hz Viewsonic VX2265wm, and switching from a 5870 to a GTX 480, have been the best investments I have made to date. Input lag has eluded and plagued me for the longest. First I had a 60Hz 2ms LCD, then i went to a 120Hz LCD (nice improvement :thumbsup: ) This mouse is the icing on the cake, I kid you not.

Good Luck on your build

 

[mfenn]

LOL, did mnewsham and BTRY B just have the same argument in 2 different threads?

OP, there is nothing wrong with the Antec PSU. Also, the parts that you originally picked out look pretty good to me actually. You could definitely save $30 or so on the mobo by going with the MSI that mnewsham recommended or the GA-P67A-UD3.

Finally, regarding your GPU dilemma. Both options (1680x1050 + GTX 460 or 1920x1080 IPS + ~GTX 570) are equally valid. The higher-end option is certainly within your budget, so it really comes down to whether or not you think it would be"worth it". I am a graphics/framerate junkie, so I would say yes.

 

[Jellynuts]

Thanks mfenn!

I'm pulled the trigger. I went with the Antec PSU, the IPS, a 120 SSD and the MSI MOBO.

BTRY B, with the money I saved on the Antec, I picked up the RAT at Best Buy. Newegg was cheaper but I figured it was easier to return if I didn’t like it. My first impressions of it are great. Incidentally, I use to play Unreal 1 with a MadCatz Panther XL.

The IPS won out in the pursuit of ascetics. Also the GTX 570 supports my goal of 2 years future proof. If I was still into gaming leagues and ladders, then I probably would have went with a 120 Hz. However, I could easily see myself upgrading again if there was an IPS, with 120 Hz and HDMI.

The 120 GB SSD was a better option to pull the games currently being playing on Steam over to the SSD, as I tend to play several at once.

I considered the Gigabyte MOBO but went with the MSI as I figured it would be more “overclocker friendly”. The MSI was a great recommendation over the ASUS as it was cheaper. I’ve owned all three in past and all three have been good to me. Once had an issue with an ASUS A7N8X but they made good on it.

I truly appreciate everyone’s help. You have assisted in making my purchase a lot less stressful as I feel confident in my decisions. If the Antec gives me any trouble I’ll let you know . Thanks again for insight and guidance.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Congrats Jelly

 

[mfenn]

Sounds good. Glad you were able to make a good decision!

 

[Jellynuts]

Thanks, New Egg is shipping from NJ & TN but both should be here on Thursday. Build a computer or drink green beer? I doubt I can pull both off on the same day. The monitor will be a few weeks later.